Kalamazoo, MI: On December 28, 2018, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the report of a freight train derailment in the downtown area. Approximately eight train cars tipped over from the tracks between Porter St. and Walbridge St., north of E. Kalamazoo Ave. Several of the train cars came to rest on a commercial building in that area. E. Kalamazoo Ave. and E. Michigan Ave. were briefly blocked due to the accident, but have now been reopened. The only streets still closed due to the incident are Walbridge St. and Harrison St. between E. Kalamazoo Ave. and E. Ransom St.

No injuries were reported, and there were no indications of any hazardous material releases. The cause of the derailment is unknown at this time and is under investigation.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8142.

Kalamazoo, MI: On December 24th, 2018 at about 2:20A.M., Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to the intersection of Prouty St and N Burdick St for a report of a male who had been shot. Upon arrival a 48 year old Kalamazoo man was found lying on the sidewalk with an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen. Limited information was obtained regarding the incident, which remains under investigation. At this time, the injury to the victim does not appear to be life threatening.

Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

On Sunday, December 23, 2018 around 2:12 pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 800 block of Simpson Street for the report of a house fire. When officers arrived on scene they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the second story of the residence. Fire suppression efforts were started and the fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes. Officers were on scene for just over an hour conducting fire fighting operations. No civilians or firefighters were injured in this incident. Two adults and six children were displaced by the fire and received support services from the Red Cross. The fire cause is under investigation by the Fire Marshal.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

On Sunday, December 23, 2018 at about 1:30 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety responded for a dryer fire in the 500 block of Stuart Ave. When public safety officers arrived on scene, they located a dryer on fire in the basement of the residence. Several public safety officers were able to quickly extinguish the fire and avoid further damage. The resident was home at the time of the fire and was able to get out safely while calling 911.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8139 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

On Thursday December 13th, 2018 at approximately 7:15 pm Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to Bronson Hospital for the report of a male that had been shot at an unknown location. The investigation lead officers to the 400 block of Drexel Place. The 30 year old victim is currently in stable condition.

The Criminal Investigation Division is investigating this incident. The investigation is in its early stages at this point and there is limited suspect information. No arrests have been made.

Anyone have information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100
Authority: Sgt. Andrew Werkema